Saka ready to gamble with fitness for England's FIFA World Cup chances
Kansas City, June 16
England winger Bukayo Saka said he is "ready to gamble with his fitness" for England's World Cup opener against Croatia on Thursday amid concerns with his Achilles.
Saka, who will make his 50th appearance for England, has been struggling with an Achilles issue. He missed the March international break and seven games for the Arsenal but returned to help his club side lift the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years.
He played just 27 minutes of England's final warm-up game against Costa Rica, but speaking ahead of the World Cup opener against Croatia, the winger said he is ready to be selected.
"I don't want to say anything that goes against the manager. What I would say is that between Mikel [Arteta] and the Arsenal medical team and Thomas (Tuchel) and the England medical team, since March they have managed me amazingly and helped me get back on the pitch and do what I can for the team. I'm feeling better than I have felt in the last few months and I'm ready to go," Saka said.
Asked if he found it frustrating being judged while not 100 per cent fit, he said it is a "gamble" he is willing to take.
"Yeah, but I think as players it's the biggest gamble, especially if you're not feeling your sharpest. You have the choice whether you don't play or you put yourself out there knowing that people are going to judge you the same," Saka said.
"And at the end of the day people don't really care how you're feeling; they expect you to deliver, they expect you to perform. I'm happy to take that gamble and it paid off I'd say, and I'm going to continue doing that - but like I said, I'm feeling a lot better than I did in March, and I'm ready to go, so I'm excited," he added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I don't get it—why would anyone gamble with their fitness? As a former athlete myself, I know how one bad decision can end a career. Saka is young and has so much ahead of him. The World Cup is huge, but his health should come first. This seems reckless, not brave. 😕
England's medical team has done a great job managing him since March—full credit to Arsenal and the national side. Saka is a warrior, and his commitment reminds me of our own Indian players like Sunil Chhetri who push through for the team. But I hope the coach isn't pressuring him unnecessarily. Tuchel needs to manage minutes wisely.
Honestly, I'm conflicted. On one hand, you love to see a player willing to take risks for the team. On the other, this is a World Cup and if Saka breaks down early, England could be in trouble. It's a huge gamble, but he's earned the right to make that call after his brilliant season. Let's hope it pays off!
I feel for Saka—the pressure to perform on the biggest stage must be immense. But as an Indian, I know how much expectations can weigh on players. Remember our cricket team's Man of the Match in 2011? That was pure grit. Saka's willingness to put himself out there despite criticism is admirable. Wishing him a speedy recovery and a great game! 🌟
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